THERESA May has used a lavish dinner for Donald Trump to press her case for an ambitious new trade deal with the US after Brexit.

Critics of the Prime Minister's proposals for future relations with the EU claim her willingness to align with Brussels rules on agricultural produce will block a US deal, as Washington is certain to insist on the inclusion of GM crops and hormone-enhanced beef, which are banned in Europe.

But addressing the US president in front of an audience of business leaders at at Blenheim Palace, Mrs May insisted that Brexit provides an opportunity for an "unprecedented" agreement to boost jobs and growth.

Noting that more than a million Americans already work for British-owned firms, she told Mr Trump: "As we prepare to leave the European Union, we have an unprecedented opportunity to do more.

"It's an opportunity to reach a free trade agreement that creates jobs and growth here in the UK and right across the United States.

"It's also an opportunity to tear down the bureaucratic barriers that frustrate business leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.

"And it's an opportunity to shape the future of the world through co-operation in advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence."

Donald Trump and his wife Melanie are welcomed to Blenheim Palace by Theresa May (Image: REUTERS)

Mrs May and her husband Philip welcomed Mr Trump and wife Melania to the black-tie dinner at Blenheim Palace on the first evening of the President's working visit to the UK.

The Trumps arrived from London by Marine One helicopter before being driven in the armoured presidential limousine, nicknamed The Beast, to the opulent 18th century palace near Woodstock in Oxfordshire.

Built for the Duke of Marlborough in recognition of his military victories and named a Unesco World Heritage Site, Blenheim is one of a series of historic architectural gems Mr Trump will visit on a four-day trip which keeps him well away from protesters in central London.

His arrival was marked by a military ceremony, with bandsmen of the Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards playing the Liberty Fanfare, Amazing Grace and the National Emblem.

Leaders of the financial services, travel, creative, food, engineering, technology, infrastructure, pharmaceutical and defence sectors were among around 100 guests who dined on Scottish salmon, English Hereford beef fillet and strawberries with clotted cream ice-cream.

Anti-Trump protestors gather near the US ambassador's residence (Image: GETTY)

Mrs May told him: "Mr President, Sir Winston Churchill once said that 'to have the United States at our side was, to me, the greatest joy'.

"The spirit of friendship and co-operation between our countries, our leaders and our people, that most special of relationships, has a long and proud history.

"Now, for the benefit of all our people, let us work together to build a more prosperous future."

Mrs May said that the history, language, values and culture shared by the UK and US "inspire mutual respect" and make the two nations "not just the closest of allies, but the dearest of friends".

In an apparent plea to the president to remember his allies when he meets Vladimir Putin in Helsinki in Monday, she noted that Britain and America work closely together in the interests of their shared security, "whether through targeting Daesh terrorists or standing up to Russian aggression".

She also highlighted the importance of trans-Atlantic business links to a president who has sometimes seemed more interested in forging new links with former adversaries around the world, rather than nurturing long-standing partnerships.

Britain and the US are the largest investors in each other's economies, with over a trillion dollars of investments between then, said Mrs May.

And she told the president: "The strength and breadth of Britain's contribution to the US economy cannot be understated.

"The UK is the largest investor in the US, providing nearly a fifth of all foreign investment in your country.

"We invest 30% more than our nearest rival.

"More than 20 times what China invests. And more than France and Germany combined.

"That all means a great deal more than simply numbers in bank accounts.

"It means jobs, opportunities and wealth for hardworking people right across America."

Demonstrations mark Donald Trump UK visit

Fri, July 13, 2018

President Trump's four day UK visit is being met with protests across the country.

On Friday, he will visit off-camera a British military base and will have a working lunch at Chequers with the Prime Minister, where a number of issue including trade and Brexit will be discussed.

Later in the day, the President will head to Windsor Castle, where he will have a tea with the Queen.

Meanwhile, in the capitalcitythousands will gather in avariousof protests to voice their views against the US president, including a march that could be attended by as many as 50,000 people and a flying protest involving the “Baby Trump” balloon.

Mr and Mrs Trump will head to Scotland for the weekend, where they aren’t expected to be involved in any official commitments.